Diagrams can help users visualize complex processes in a simplified way.
However, diagrams can sometimes be too simplistic, confusing the user instead
of providing help. The decision about whether a diagram might be helpful
depends on the context of each document and the discretion of each writer.

Product icons: An icon represents its corresponding product. Product
icons are always blue. Following is the Cloud Images icon.

Note

If you find a Rackspace product icon that is not blue, send an email to
how-to@rackspace.com and a member of our team will create a blue version
of the icon.

Stencils: A stencil represents a concept or function.
Stencils that are not Rackspace products should always appear in
black.

Labels: Label all product icons, stencils, and shapes, according to
their function within the diagram. Use sentence-style capitalization (that
is, capitalize only terms that are proper or are normally capitalized).

Line usage: Use lines are used to connect and display a
relationship between two or more objects.

Line width: Line width must be at least 2pt. You can
change the width of a line in the Format Panel under Style
when you select the line.

Line shape: Keep lines straight unless a line needs to change
direction.

Rounded line corners: If a line changes direction, the corner
in which the change of direction occurs must be rounded. You can
change to rounded corners by selecting the line, going to the
Format Panel under Style, and selecting Rounded in the
dropdown menu.

Solid lines: Use solid lines to show a direct relationship
between objects, as shown in the following example.

Dashed lines: Use dashed lines to group objects that are
connected through a network, as shown in the following example.

Dotted lines: Use dotted lines to show how data entered by
the user travels, as shown in the following example.

One-way and two-way arrows: Use arrows to represent direct
interactions between two or more stencils. If a stencil is attached
to an arrow, it implies that the product represented by the stencil
needs to interact with another piece of the diagram.

In the following example, the CDN management service needs to interact
with the CDN to perform its function. Similarly, the CDN needs to be
managed by the CDN management service. The relationship is two-way, so
the line has arrows on both ends pointed to both stencils.